AutoBild: The better M5: A diesel?

F10 BMW M5 vs. BMW M550d. Is it a fair comparison or simply an apple to oranges approach? German magazine AutoBild is on a mission …

F10 BMW M5 vs. BMW M550d. Is it a fair comparison or simply an apple to oranges approach? German magazine AutoBild is on a mission to find out if the M550d, BMW’s first tri-turbo diesel, is a better product than the “pure M5″.

Earlier this year BMW unveiled their first M-tuned diesels powered by an all-new tri-turbo engine that develops 381 horsepower and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. Along with the impressive performance, the M550d Sedan offers fuel economy figures of 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers in the EU test cycle.

Part of the M Performance Automobiles family, the M550d uses a series of M-touched technology: M-tuned suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering.

Compared to the M550d, the M5 is what someone may call a pure M machine. Powered by a newly developed high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology), the M5 brings to the super sedan market 560 horsepower and peak torque of 680 Newton meters (502 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm.

So power aside and straight line from 0 to 60 mph, which one is a more well-rounded vehicle?

AutoBild places the M550d xDrive ahead of the M5 with a total of 512 points vs. 495. Here are some of the stats:

Officially, the V8 twin-turbo BMW M5 F10 makes exactly 560 hp. With the Competition Package, the power increases to 575 hp, and there are approximately …

Giom

To me, that’s a bit of a silly conclusion coming from an auto mag. If they chose it on comfort alone, why would they even include a pure M? I’m not sure what they’re trying to achieve with this non-sence conclusion, other than to point out what outstanding vehicles both are and just how accurately BMW engineered bothe to do what their buyers want.

Tom

M5 > M5d for sport, but everyday driving M5d > 550i.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Alen-Semelkin/1325209050 Alen Semelkin

Driving a well performed diesel is fun. I personally have a 330d e93, i love it in the city and especially when i hit the autobahn i can go up to 270km/h. The new 3turbo diesel engines are amazing with performance, but i think they need to come up with something more than 381hp. Otherwise what is the point of buying a diesel m5 when you can buy a 535d which cheaper and fast as hell.

My verdict is: If you need performance, handling, loud exhaust sound, then get an M5. If you looking for something in between then get a 535i or 535d or even a 550i. But an m550d i think is stupid to buy.

Mateo

i hate both of them. m5 has engine sound from speakers……….that’s enough! if someone wants everyday car with good performaces M550d, i someone wants enjoy – any previous M5

Guest

I haven’t personally even seen either one, but based on reviews, it seems the 550d is a very capable fast autobahn cruiser rather than an all-rounder. I’m not 100% sure what that translates into for us in the US. We can’t really drive all that fast on highways, so maybe the M5 is better for our relatively cheap gas and ex-urban commutes. I guess the question is moot anyway because the 550d isn’t available here.

http://twitter.com/LouiJJ J

Put 560HK in the M550d and it will murder the M5 even more

july monte

why not just put 1,000 horsepower on the 550d then. or 2,000 hp. or maybe 3,000 hp

oguzhandincel

Forever M5!

mckillio

Give the M550d a V8 diesel and there would be no contest.

bmw SUCKS

A tri-turbo pathetic engine. All it can is to run 0-100 kmh in 5.2 seconds. The A6 3.0TDI does the same in 4.9 seconds having much less hp. Another testimony to Audi’s superiority over the crappy bmw.

auaq

Oh dear ……. here we go again!
How you doin? What you doin?

fredyschiftan@aol.com

Here he is again with his VW , do you work for them ? go away with your stupid suggestions you are not welcomed here , we have honor and dont go to your VW site , we are not interested !! please erase him out of here !!!!

july monte

liar liar pants on fire. superiority on what? building unreliable cars? this is a forum for sensible and educated people. go away

natassja

i have an audi before, and i have to get rid of it after only a year and a half because of reliability issues. so who are crappin?

jd

hey! your boss in volkswagen is calling you. he wants you to wash his car. go back to work.